Mideast situation – SecGen report under A/RES/41/162 A to C

Distr.

GENERAL

A/42/465

10 August 1987

ENGLISH

ORIGINAL: ARABIC/ENGLISH/FRENCH/

Russian/SPANISH

Forty-second session

Item 39 of the provisional agenda*

THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Report of the Secretary-General

(in Pursuance of General Assembly resolution 41/162)

1. The present report is submitted in fulfilment of the reporting responsibility conferred upon the Secretary-General in resolutions 41/162 A to C, which the General Assembly adopted on 4 December 1986, at its forty-first session, under the agenda item entitled "The situation in the Middle East".

2. In paragraph 11 of resolution 41/162 A, which deals with the search for a solution to the Middle East problem, and in paragraphs 13 and 14 of resolution B, which deals with Israeli policies in the Syrian Golan Heights, the General Assembly called upon all States to adopt a number of measures concerning military, economic, diplomatic and cultural relations with Israel.

3. In resolution 41/162 C, the General Assembly deplored the transfer by some States of their diplomatic missions to Jerusalem in violation of Security Council resolution 478 (1980), and called once again upon those States to abide by the provisions of the relevant United Nations resolutions, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.

4. In order to fulfil his reporting responsibility under the above-mentioned resolutions, the Secretary-General, on 16 January 1987, addressed notes verbales to the Permanent Representative of Israel and to the Permanent Representatives of the other Member States and requested them to inform him of any steps their Governments had taken or envisaged taking concerning implementation of the relevant provisions of those resolutions. The relevant parts of the replies received from Burkina Faso, Chad, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are reproduced in the annex to the present report.

5. In Paragraph 15 of resolution 41/162 A, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council periodically on the development of the situation and to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-second session a comprehensive report covering the developments in the Middle East in all their aspects. That report will be submitted separately as a document of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

ANNEX

Replies received from Member States

BURKINA FASO

[original: French]

[25 June 1987]

1. Burkina Faso's Position concerning the situation in the Middle Bast and consistent. Burkina Faso feels that the question of Palestine is central TO the Middle East problem, which can only be solved by recognizing the Imprescriptible and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to:

Self-determination;

National independence;

The establishment of its own sovereign and independent State in Palestine.

2. That being so, Burkina Faso cannot sanction or encourage any act hostile to that people. Thus, in accordance with its principles of uncompromising defence of the rights of peoples to self-determination, independence and freedom, Burkina Paso observes certain rules of conduct which have a bearing on the implementation of the relevant Provisions of the various United Nations resolutions on the subject.

3. Since 1973, when it broke off diplomatic relations with Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian and Arab peoples, Burkina Faso has maintained no economic, political, military or other relations with Israel, and it regrets the resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel by certain African countries. In other words, our country is not contemplating the resumption of any relations with Israel as long as the latter persists in its policy of aggression against the Arab and Palestinian people and in the annexation of territories belonging to these peoples.

4. The visit to Ouagadougou by the Chairman of the PLO on 8 May 1986 is further striking Proof of the excellent relations between the People of Burkina Faso and the martyred Palestinian people.

5. Burkina Faso remains convinced that only respect for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people by the Israeli occupiers will Permit the restoration of stability in the Middle East and allow the peoples concerned to live in genuine peace and security.

6. That is why we reaffirm our total commitment to all the relevant resolutions adopted on the middle Eastern question in various international forums and firmly support the organization of an International Peace Conference on the Middle East with the participation of all parties, including the PLO.

7. In any event, Burkina Faso reaffirms its faith in the inevitability of the victory of the Palestinian people deprived of its elementary rights, and hence in the victory of all the oppressed peoples of the world.

CHAD

[Original: French]

[31 July 19871

1. The Tombalbaye Government's decision in 1973 to break off diplomatic relations with the Jewish State, which until that time had maintained relations with Chad, marked an important stage in the historical development of Chad's position with respect to the situation in the Middle East.

2. By putting an end to relations between Israel and Chad, the Government of the time wished to demonstrate its solidarity not only with the Government and people of Egypt but also with the Palestinian people and the Arab world in the face of Israeli aggression.

3. Since the Tombalbaye Government, the governments which have succeeded each other in Chad up to the present day have not renewed relations with the Jewish State. They have condemned with the same vigour as their Predecessors Israel's repeated aggressions against other States in the region and the occupation of their territories by force. They have also Participated in and associated themselves with nearly all the major decisions of the United Nations aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution to the Middle East question by peaceful means, and specifically through:

The complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territories occupied by Israel since 1967;

The exercise by the Palestinian People of its inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State;

Recognition of and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and Political independence of the States of the region and their right to live in peace within their internationally recognized boundaries.

4. In sum, the relations which were broken off in 1973 have as of no~ not been resumed, and Chad has no dealings with Israel either economically, culturally, militarily or in any other way. It must be said that Chad has even gone beyond the requirements of resolution 41/162, and particularly in respect of resolution A, paragraph 7, and resolution a, Paragraphs 13 and 14. It also goes without saying that paragraph 2 of resolution C, and indeed the entire resolution, does not affect Chad, and nor does Paragraph 2 of resolution A, because Chad, not being a military Power or an economic giant. is not in a Position to extend such aid to the Jewish state.

CUBA

[Original: Spanish]

[20 May 1987]

1. In keeping with its policy of extending support to the just cause of the Palestinian People and other Arab countries in their struggle against Israeli aggression and occupation in order to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East and the full exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable national rights, in September 1973 the Government of the Republic of Cuba ceased diplomatic, trade and cultural relations with Israel.

2. Implementation of the measures set forth in the provisions of resolution 41/162 A to C, to which you draw the attention of Governments, constitutes a magnificent way for Member States to demonstrate the repudiation and rejection provoked by the criminal policy of extermination of the Palestinian people and of expansion and aggression Pursued by Israel in the Middle East.

CYPRUS

[Original: English]

[19 March 1987]

The policy of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is in accordance with resolutions 41/162 A to C and other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly of the United Nations. which it always votes in favour of.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

[Original: English]

[18 May 1987]

1. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic resolutely condemns the aggressive, expansionist Policy of the Israeli Government which is a source of constant tensions in the Middle East and has made this area one of the most dangerous hot-beds of tension worldwide. The Persisting Israeli occupation of the Arab lands seized by Israel during the war with the neighbouring Arab countries, which it stirred up in 1967, and its barring of the exercise of the legitimate inalienable rights of the Arab People of Palestine to the establishment of their own sovereign national State remain the main obstacles in the way of achievement of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

2. The annexation of the Eastern part of Jerusalem, the extension of the Israeli jurisdiction and legislation to the territories of the Syrian Golan Heights, the denial of the Palestinian right to the exercise of self-determination, the occupation of a Part of Lebanon's territory and the interference with the internal matters of this sovereign State are the most visible examples of a violation of the fundamental principles of the international law and of a number of united Nations resolutions by Israel. Thus, by its concrete behaviour and deeds, Israel is demonstrating that underlying political line is the doctrine of State terrorism which jeopardizes the vital interests of other countries and nations.

3. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic has repeatedly pointed to the need for a universal and co-ordinated action by the international community against the policy of the Israeli government which is a threat to all States and nations in the Middle East region. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic fully supports and strictly observes all restrictive measures in relations with Israel adopted within the United Nations, including a complete break of diplomatic contacts since June 1967. In keeping with its peace Policy Czechoslovakia does not provide any assistance to Israel and does not recognize any Israeli legislative steps adopted with the aim of consolidating the illegal domination of the Eastern part of Jerusalem and of changing the status of this town. In its attitude to these issues the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic strictly adheres to the Provisions of resolution 41/162 A to C and to all other United Nations resolutions adopted on this score.

4. The present development clearly shows the hopelessness of any ideas of settling the Middle East situation from a position of strength, by making separate deals or by enforcing unilateral schemes of settlement of the conflict which overlook the inalienable rights of the people of the Arab countries and of the Arab people of Palestine. This is why we fully endorse the Proposals for resolving the Middle East crisis through multilateral contacts in the framework of an international Middle East conference with equal Participation of the permanent members of the Security Council and of all parties concerned including PLO which is the sole legitimate representative of the Arab people of Palestine. We call for an undelayed start of consultations with the aim of setting up a preparatory committee of the international Middle East conference. We are convinced that such could be the road towards a settlement of the Middle East conflict.

EGYPT

[Original: Arabic]

[27 May 1987]

The Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt reaffirms its position of principle based on the necessity of a peaceful, comprehensive and just settlement of the Middle East problem, the core of which is the question of Palestine, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

JORDAN

[Original: Arabic]

[12 May 1987]

1.   Operative paragraphs 7 to 11 of resolution 41/162 A

1. The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan rejects all the measures that have been and are being taken by the Israeli occupation authorities in the Arab and Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including the city of Jerusalem, and considers all the measures null and void, particularly the decision of the Israeli Knesset to annex the city of Jerusalem and make it an eternal capital of Israel and also the alteration of the geographical, institutional and demographic character of the Holy City. The Jordanian Government calls upon the United Nations to continue its efforts, to exert various kinds of pressures in order to compel the Israeli occupation authorities to rescind the decision on the annexation of Jerusalem and to emphasize the need for Israel~s compliance with and implementation of Security Council resolutions 476 (l980) of 30 June 1980 and 478 (1980) of 20 August 1980.

2. The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan also rejects the arbitrary actions and practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in the occupied Palestinian Arab territories, particularly the confiscation of land from the population and the establishment of Jewish settlements on that land.

3. The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan appeals to all States Members of the United Nations to halt military, economic, financial and technological supplies and aid that help Israel to pursue its aggressive and expansionist policy and its occupation of Arab and Palestinian territories.

2. Operative paragraphs 13 and 14 of resolution 41/162 B

4. The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is in a state of war with Israel, which has been occupying Jordanian, Arab and Palestinian territories since 1967. As all are aware, Jordan does not maintain any relations with Israel of any kind whatsoever. Jordan calls upon all States Members of the united Nations to refrain from supplying Israel with weapons and equipment and also calls upon the various States to halt economic, financial and technological assistance to Israel, as an attempt to apply pressure on it to end its occupation of the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories

3.   Operative paragraph 3 of resolution 41/162 C

5. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan appeals to all States Members of the United Nations to comply with the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations and the Security Council and their subordinate organs concerning the Holy City and to reject the Israeli legislation on the so-called ~unification of Jerusalem and its establishment as the eternal capital of Israel.. Jordan also calls upon all States not to open embassies in Jerusalem and to comply with the resolutions of the Security Council on the subject.

SAUDI ARABIA

[Original: English]

[23 APRIL 1987]

The Government of Saudi Arabia is Pleased to convey the following:

1. With regard to paragraph 7 of resolution 41/162 A:

(1) The Kingdom deplores Israel~s failure to comply with and implement the resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly, and believes that the time is opportune to take the effective measures stipulated in Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter and to implement them immediately against the Zionist establishment.

(2) The Kingdom's Government also reaffirms that the continuation of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and other Arab territories, as well as its refusal to withdraw from there, and its decision to annex Al-Quds Asshareef and to declare it as its capital, constitute a flagrant violation to the principles of international law. United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy.

(3) The Kingdom has always affirmed that it considers Al-Quds Asshareef as the capital of Palestine and an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territories, and that there must be a full and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from it, to restore it to Palestinian sovereignty.

(4) The Kingdom is committed to and adheres to the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territories by force, and considers all settlements built or to be built by the Zionist establishment in all the occupied Palestinian and other Arab territories, including Al-Quds Asshareef, to be illegal and void measures that should be halted and removed in accordance with the articles of the United Nations Charter and its many resolutions pertaining to this subject.

(5) The Kingdom continues to exercise all the means available to it to convince the countries that influence Israel to secure Israeli withdrawal from Al-Quds Asshareef and the occupied Palestinian and other Arab territories. It also explained and clarified in various international forums the problem of Al-Quds and the violations that the holy shrines are facing under the Israeli occupation.

(6) The problem of Palestine in general, and that of Al-Quds Asshareef in particular, constitute one of the basic pillars of the Kingdom's foreign policy. The Kingdom has reaffirmed this through its conception of peace for the region in the King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud initiative, which was adopted by the Fez Conference in 1982 and is known now as the Arab Peace Proposal. Principle number six of the proposal calls for a reaffirmation of the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian State with the Arab Al-Quds as its capital.

2. With regard to paragraph 11 of resolution 41/162 A:

A/42/465 English Pane 9

The Kingdom, alongside its sister Arab countries, applies the boycott system against Israel and does not deal with it in any field whatsoever. The Kingdom also implements the basic principles of the Islamic boycott, and of Universal Islamic Law, and its provisions, which are considered a part of the national legislation. This also includes the decision of the special Islamic Summit Meeting which was held in Kuwait on 26 January 1987.

3. With regard to paragraphs 13 and 14 of resolution 41/162 B:

(1) In respect of dealings with Israel, the Kingdom, alongside the Arab and Islamic countries, applies the same boycott rules stated previously.

(2) As to relations with the Zionist establishment – the Kingdom has no relationship whatsoever with that establishment, whether political, economic, cultural, scientific or at any other level. The Kingdom, in fact, calls upon and urges other countries and peoples not to establish any form of relationship with the Israeli establishment.

(3) The Kingdom follows an active policy on all these aspects, whether through the United Nations, or the Organization of the Islamic Conference, or the League of Arab States, or through the political and diplomatic contacts between the Kingdom and other States. Naturally, the Kingdom cannot recognize any condition other than that of Arab Al-Quds and its restoration to Arab sovereignty.

(4) The Kingdom adheres to the terms of this resolution and the terms of all previous resolutions voted on affirmatively by Saudi Arabia. The declarations made by its officials and the statements made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom's delegates to the United Nations are a clear example to that.

The Government of the Kingdom deplores the transfer of some diplomatic missions to the Al-Quds, and it considers this a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and of United Nations resolutions, especially of security Council resolution 487 (1980).

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

[Original: Russian]

[4 August 1987]

1. The Soviet Union voted in favour of General Assembly resolutions 41/162 A to C and fully supports their Provisions condemning Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people, its policies and practices towards that People in and outside the occupied Palestinian territories, and its continued occupation of the Palestinian and other Arab territories. The General Assembly rightly described these actions of Israel as a violation of the Charter of the united Nations, the principles of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

2. The entire course of events in the Middle East very clearly confirms the conclusion contained in General Assembly resolutions 41/162 A to C that the agreement on strategic co-operation between the United States of America and Israel and the continued supply of modern arms and materiel to Israel, augmented by substantial economic aid, have encouraged Israel to pursue its aggressive and expansionist policies and practices in the Palestinian and other Arab territories, and are having adverse effects on efforts for the establishment of a comprehensive,

just and lasting peace in the Middle East and pose a threat to the security of the region.

3. The Soviet Union shares the concern expressed in the resolution about the continuing Israeli policies involving the escalation and expansion of the conflict in the region, which endanger international Peace and security. In this connection, the General Assembly rightly noted that Israel's record, policies and actions confirm that it is not a peace-loving State and that it has not carried out its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations.

4. In connection with the General Assembly's call to all Member States to cease forthwith all dealings with Israel in order totally to isolate it in all fields, the Soviet Union recalls that the Soviet Government announced as long ago as the time of the Israeli aggression in 1967 its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel. Ever since then the Soviet Union has maintained no diplomatic, trade or cultural relations with Israel. It does not supply Israel with weapons or military hardware, and is not giving it any economic, financial or technical assistance.

5. The Soviet Union firmly and consistently advocates a resolution of the conflict in the Middle East by collective efforts and a comprehensive and just settlement in this region. Hence, the Soviet Union supported the General Assembly's call for the convening of the International Peace Conference on the Middle East, under the auspices of the United Nations, and for setting up a preparatory committee, within the framework of the Security Council, with the participation of the permanent members of the Council, to take the necessary action to convene the Conference.